Leah Washington has stood up for the first time since having her leg amputated after suffering serious injuries in the Alton Towers crash.

The 17-year-old was on her first date with new boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, when the pair boarded the ride on the front row.

Leah's left leg was amputated above the left knee and she also suffered a fractured left hand while Joe broke both his legs.

Her brother Luke told BBC WM: "She was heavily sedated. She was in intensive care and the machines were keeping her going. But it was only the day after that they took her off and she was breathing on her own.

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However, Luke added that her "health and spirits had improved dramatically" as she continues to recover from the crash.

He added: "Yesterday I walked into the room and she was standing up. It was great.

Family: Leah (left) with her parents David and Louise Washington and brother Luke (Image: Facebook)

"She's had a rapid recovery. Each day has gone by and she's improved and improved.

"It's not been easy by any means but we're a strong family and we've got a bond and this has just made us closer and stronger. Obviously we've all be there for Leah but she's the one that's kept us going. I don't know where she has got her strength.

Amputee: Leah Washington has stood up for the first time since the crash

"There are bits that she struggles to remember but she's dealing with it a lot better than I ever thought she would."

Manchester-based Artizans wrote: Sorry we've been quiet. As you will all be aware, there has been a terrible accident at Alton Towers that involved our very own Luke Washington's sister, Leah.

"Leah is a wonderful young lass and deserves every ounce of support that we can give her."

Leah's father David Washington spoke out on Monday after it was first revealed she had lost her left leg in the horror accident.

He said: "Leah has suffered a life-changing injury and now has many months of rehabilitation ahead of her.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services at the scene and all the hospital staff who saved Leah's life."

First date gone wrong: Leah and Joe were both injured (Image: Instagram)

Joe’s father Simon said: "We would also like to thank the staff at the hospital who have been very accommodating, have been lovely to us and have protected our privacy.

"We would ask people to respect Joe’s privacy now and over the weeks and months ahead."

Leah and Joe were sitting alongside another couple – Vicky Balch, 20, and Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton, Derbyshire – at the front.

Leah could get at least £2m in compensation, a top lawyer told Mirror Online yesterday.

Jill Greenfield, who specialises in serious injury and represented casualties of the 7/7 terror attacks and the Apollo Theatre ceiling collapse, said the four seriously injured crash victims could claim millions of pounds each.

Ms Greenfield also estimated that each of the 12 other injured victims who were on The Smiler carriage which ploughed into an empty train last Tuesday could claim anywhere between £3,000 and £80,000 each for damages.

TOWIE fan: Leah Washington and Joey Essex (Image: Twitter)

The London-based partner of Fieldfisher law firm said: "We have two different types of damages. Victims can firstly claim for pain and suffering, which can total £110,000.

"There is also the damage for physical injury, which for a single leg amputation would start at around £150,000."

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The park has re-opened this week – but a significant section is closed off and it remains eerily quiet.

Alton Towers victims

Front row

Joe Pugh, 18, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, broke both knees and has extensive hand injuries. He is studying textiles at Huddersfield University

Leah Washington, 17, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, had her left leg amputated from the knee down and suffered a fractured hand

Vicky Balch, 20, from Leyland in Lancashire, suffered heavy bleeding and leg injuries. She is a talented dancer who now lives in Buxton, Derbyshire.

Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton in Derbyshire, is an active fitness fan who enjoys adrenaline activities such as sky-diving. He suffered a broken leg and punctured lung.

Second row

Mum-of-two Chanda Singh, 49, from Wednesbury in the West Midlands, suffered internal bleeding.

She returned home in a taxi after the crash before going to Manor Hospital in Walsall, where she had surgery to her stomach and is receiving treatment for a damaged liver and blood clots.